10 Things You Should Do To Control Yorkie Barking Behavior

Yorkshire Terriers are wonderful dogs and truly loving companions. However, Yorkie barking behavior is a cause for concern for many owners. Yorkies have a natural instinct to bark at every noise. They too bark to show excitement or to communicate with owners, or when they become agitated. Often these dogs get carried away and continue to bark for long hours, making it quite frustrating for an owner and his neighbors. With proper training, socialization, and attention to the cause of barking, you have a chance to control the Yorkie barking behavior.

Here are a few things you should do to overcome the barking behavior of Yorkies.

Decode Yorkie Barking Behavior and Tone

The Yorkshire Terrier barks a lot, more than other dog breeds. However, a dog does not start barking without a cause. There is a certain reason that prompts your dog into making a noise. A careful observation of the Yorkie barking behavior, tone, and body language reveals exactly what he wants to convey. Address his concerns accordingly and the dog will stop barking.

Lets us find out different types of noises Yorkies make.

Low-tone barking is the way of your Yorkie to communicate about a perceived threat. Change of place or conditions, unfamiliar animal sounds, or sudden loud voice may prompt such Yorkie barking behavior.

High-pitched barking by a Yorkie indicates his efforts to seek your attention. He may want to relieve himself, play, or stay with the family.

Growling in low tone is a kind of warning for people, animals, or objects to stay away from the dog’s territory. It may be with or without “tooth snapping” noises.

Howling by Yorkshire Terriers is a way to respond to sounds by other dogs.

Whining is a sign that your dog is in emotional or physical distress. A Yorkshire Terrier puppy whimpers under similar conditions.

Yelping noises indicate an injury, which may be causing pain in your dog.

Analyze what type of noise your Yorkie is making and respond swiftly to address the cause and control his barking behavior.

Focus on Minimizing Yorkie Barking Behavior

Barking is a dog’s way to communicate, and it is impossible to stop a Yorkshire Terrier from barking. Your Yorkie may not be barking for himself all the time. His barking often is his way of alerting you about certain dangers. So, it is better to focus on minimizing the Yorkie barking behavior than forcing the dog to stop. Training the dog goes a long way in discouraging endless barking.

Calm Home Ambiance Helps Control Yorkie Barking Behavior

Your home environment offers stimulation for your Yorkie to bark. If it is calm and consistent with an established dog care routine, the Yorkie barking behavior is certainly more controlled and less exhibited. However, if the ambiance at your house is more uncertain with frequent noises, unpredictable living pattern, no consistent pet feeding or walking routine, and disturbances, it may cause your dog to live in a state of anxiety or frustration. This only adds to his barking instinct.

Exercise May Help Ease Yorkie Barking Instinct

Exercise plays an important role in controlling the Yorkie barking behavior. A bored dog is more prone to making noises. Regular workouts take away stress, reduce anxiety, and eliminate frustration. As a result, your dog is less disposed to barking to seek your attention. Your Yorkshire Terrier remains emotionally stable, content, and positive with more tenacity to withhold his instincts than to exhibit them.

Exercise causes depletion in the energy level of the dog, forcing him to shun excessive barking. It also reduces the accumulation of pent-up energy that could be a cause of his weird barking habit.

Train Your Dog To Control Barking Instinct

Training and socialization are the most effective tools to manage Yorkie barking behavior. You may train your dog to obey commands. Teach the dog to have better control over vocal habits and use alternate ways to communicate. Prepare him to obey your command to stop barking, sit calmly, and convey his needs than to bark incessantly. He must be conditioned with a consistent living pattern to remain quiet and non-reactive to usual situations.

Using Toys Reduce Yorkie Barking Behavior

It is observed that Yorkies with more avenues of entertainment have a reduced tendency to bark. So, get a good range of toys for your dog to play with. More play time means your Yorkie has less stress and frustration to deal with. Regularly take the Yorkshire Terrier out for outdoor activities and increase his exposure to different sounds and situations. As he gets familiar with various types of noises, the dog becomes less reactive. Thus with reduced frustration and increased familiarity, you can manage Yorkie barking behavior.

Discourage Your Yorkie From Excessive Barking

Make every possible effort to discourage your Yorkie from barking without being violent toward the dog. The best option to control Yorkie barking behavior is to address your dog’s concerns. However, never give into his unreasonable demands, as this may encourage him to make more noises.

Command your Yorkie loudly and clearly to stop making noises. It is also advisable to use rewards if your Yorkie obeys your command and stops barking. Incentives may include treats, verbal praise, show of affection, and similar appreciation for positive behavior.

You may spray water on his face or create a loud noise to deter the dog. However, make sure your method does not irritate the Yorkshire Terrier. An irritated dog barks more.

You may come across “no-bark collar” available for dogs. It contains citronella and sprays the oil when a dog barks. The smell is detested by most dogs and acts as a deterrent to dissuade them from barking. However, it may have a negative emotional impact on your pet.

Never Lose Cool at Yorkie Barking Behavior

Barking is a natural instinct, and your negative behavior may only lead to its intensification. Most dogs are not aware that their barking is a nuisance for their owners. When you shout at or punish the Yorkshire Terrier because of anger over his barking, the dog becomes confused and may react aggressively.

So, avoid losing cool and treat his action as a nuisance comparable to children and deal accordingly.